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December, 1997
There are several ways to measure body fat. The "gold standard" is hydrostatic or underwater weighing but that's usually difficult to find.
If you have a question for Dr. Ruth, send it to us in an e-mail message, and we'll forward it to her.
Ideal Body Weight
I would like to know what is an ideal
weight for me. My height is not typically on the "standardized" height-weight
tables and I don't always find that there is an adjustment made for body
frames/compositions. I am 6' 6" and currently weigh 220 lbs. my chest size is 44in
and waist is 34 in. Please advise.
I would like to suggest that you focus not on
your weight but on your body fat percentage. All the scales can tell you is what the pull
on gravity is, whereas the most important factor is what is your lean body mass. I have a
whole chapter in my book, "A Race For Life" and try to explain that two people
weighing exactly the same numbers can vary wildly in how much fat they are carrying.
There are several ways to measure body fat. The "gold standard" is hydrostatic
or underwater weighing but that's usually difficult to find. Impedance testing is
readily available at fitness centers, Y's, etc.. You can also purchase small hand units
that test near-infrared rays. The principle on both these methods is based on the fact
that electrical impedance and light travel differently through fat and muscle.
The easiest but most inaccurate method is the caliper test. This measures the subcutaneous
fat at several sites, e.g., the bicep, back, waist, hip, and thigh. There is training
required in the use of all these methods, so beware. While none of these is 100% accurate,
all you really need is a bench mark or your own standard. Then as you develop a good
exercise and diet program, you can measure changes. It is obvious, too, that given your
height and weight, your waist at 34 inches indicates you're in pretty good shape! Keep up
the good work!
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